Writing for shows is demanding, challenging yet exciting: Writer Abhijit Sinha

It is rightly said that ‘a pen is mightier than the sword’.

The TV industry works on the strength of the pen or fights the battle of ratings through the work of writers.

Among many talented souls, stands a young and jubilant penman who has been part of numerous successful projects in his fifteen years old career.

Abhijit Sinha left his family business to embark on a journey in the world of entertainment industry. Tellychakkar.com got into an in-depth conversation with the man and discussed his journey and a lot more about the world of words.

Excerpts...

Tell us about your journey?

Writing has always been my passion that kept inspiring me time and again. I left my family business in Delhi and came to Mumbai to try my luck as a writer. It’s been an exhilarating journey for me as I was fortunate enough to start my writing career in the year 2011, by being a part of the writing team of Balika Vadhu. Ever since, there has been no looking back for me. I continued writing for shows like Uttaran, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyein, Chhal, Saraswatichandra, Amita Ka Amit, Haunted Nights, Beintehaan, Ishq Ka Rang Safed, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, Jamai Raja and more. Currently I am working for Ishqbaaaz and also an upcoming Rajshri Productions show.

How difficult is it to write for TV, with the ‘never ending saga’ approach?

I simply love writing. Daily soap writing is demanding, challenging and yet equally exciting as you get to re-invent and re-create something new every day by giving your hundred per cent to keep up to the level. It’s been a great experience for me. 

Do you keep ratings in mind when you pen down scripts?

Ratings play a major part in deciding the fate of any show. When I pen down scripts, I don’t precisely think about ratings but focus completely on story and my characters’ perception. I strongly believe that if the script is unpredictable, engaging, entertaining and told organically with conviction, then it will excite my audiences and generate good numbers for sure.

Good writing or actors - what works for a successful show?

Yes, this is true that television is called a writer’s medium, but I strongly believe that it’s a collective team effort that works for a successful show. Everyone’s contribution is discernible and marked, from the producer to channel and director to editor.

How do you unwind yourself?

Spending quality time with family, friends, travelling, painting, reading and music.

Where do you find inspiration from?

I get inspiration from the positive people around (could be from any field or age group). Those who go through all types of tough situations; face hurdles yet come up against all odds to achieve their goals or those who fight and never give up until they achieve what they want.

Ever copied a popular movie/book/ show as your work?

Never. I get inspired, but have never copied for the fact that there are so many interesting and varied characters, incidents, situations, complications, their complexes, triumph and catastrophes around you. Hence there is enough scope for creativity, writing something new and fresh.

Ever included your own experiences in your writing?

Yes, I always try to include my own experience in writing. Our life is like a roller- coaster ride with many ups and downs, evens and odds and what can be better than putting your know-hows in your inscription that’s more fresh, creative and real in its approach.

Five things that every writer should keep in mind?

Firstly, the genre and flavor of the script, then the larger arc of the story and characters. One needs to also keep the pace in storytelling and to write well, one must read well. And last but not the least, honesty, passion and commitment is a must.

With most shows running on the same track, how do you manage to reinvent and recreate your ideas?

None of us are exactly similar towards the work we do. So, we all have a different perception, thought process, approach towards dealing a situation. This is the beauty of writing where we can run our imagination, creativity and observation to bring newness and freshness in our scripts keeping the story and characters in mind.

How much do producers and channel interfere in your work?

I have been fortunate enough to work with good producers and channel team who have always been very co-operative. They have never interfered in my work, but have given their suggestions that are valuable for the betterment of the show.

If you could rewrite any of your TV shows which one would it be?

Good question. I always give my hundred per cent passion and commitment to each of my writing piece but as said, whenever you look back, you feel you could have done things in a different way or could have added something to it. So, if given a chance to rewrite any TV show, I would like to be little selfish and rewrite one or two of my own shows.

Good luck Abhijit!